Ruidoso New Mexico is grappling with a deadly flooding crisis that struck July 8 leaving a trail of destruction. Torrential monsoon rains triggered flash floods that killed at least three people swept away homes and prompted over 85 rescues.
I’ve seen footage of a house tumbling down the Rio Ruidoso like it was paper and it’s gut-wrenching to think of the lives upended. Here’s the latest on this unfolding disaster in southern New Mexico as of July 9 2025.
Catastrophic Floods Devastate Ruidoso
On Tuesday afternoon heavy rains poured 1.5 to 2.5 inches across Ruidoso a mountain village 115 miles south of Albuquerque. The Rio Ruidoso surged to a record 20.24 feet in just 30 minutes shattering its previous high. The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency as waters tore through Upper Canyon Brady Canyon and Ruidoso Downs.
A viral video captured a house ripped from its foundation crashing into trees as it floated downstream. At least three people—a four-year-old girl a seven-year-old boy and a man aged 40-50—lost their lives after being swept away. Three others remain missing as of July 9 morning.
Wildfire Scars Amplify Destruction
The floods are worsened by last year’s wildfires. The South Fork and Salt fires of June 2024 burned 17066 acres leaving burn scars that can’t absorb rain. This turned gentle streams into raging rivers. I remember visiting a burn site once and seeing how rain just slides off the scorched earth—it’s like pouring water on glass.
The National Weather Service warned that these scars make flash floods and debris flows likely for years. Areas like Paradise Canyon and Gavilan Canyon Bridge saw roads submerged and bridges damaged cutting off access.
Rescue Efforts and Community Impact
Emergency crews including the New Mexico National Guard performed over 85 swift-water rescues saving people trapped in homes and cars. Danielle Silva from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security said teams were pre-positioned due to flood warnings but the water’s speed overwhelmed even prepared responders.
Three people are in stable condition at Presbyterian Lincoln County Medical Center. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford reported mudslides gas leaks and submerged bridges on local radio. Power outages hit hundreds and U.S. Highway 70 remains closed.
State and Federal Response
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for Ruidoso unlocking $1 million for immediate relief. She’s also seeking federal aid from President Trump to support rebuilding. Refuge centers are open at Ruidoso Community Center (501 Sudderth) ENMU-Ruidoso (709 Mechem) and Angus Church of the Nazarene (103 Bonita Park).
The National Weather Service extended flood warnings through Wednesday evening as more rain looms. A meteorologist in Albuquerque noted the Rio Ruidoso’s levels are dropping but debris flows remain a risk.
A Region Under Siege
This disaster follows deadly Texas floods that killed over 100 last week showing a pattern of extreme weather hitting the Southwest. Ruidoso’s tourism-driven economy already battered by 2024 wildfires now faces another blow.
A local artist who lost her studio in last year’s floods was at Downshift Brewing Company when she saw the river surge again taking more homes. The community is rallying but the road to recovery will be long.
Whats Next for Ruidoso
Rescue operations continue with teams searching for the missing. Full damage assessments are pending as floodwaters recede but early reports show dozens of homes and businesses destroyed.
Social media is buzzing with unverified claims of cloud seeding causing the floods but no evidence supports this. Stick to updates from the National Weather Service or local officials for accurate info. Share your thoughts or updates as Ruidoso fights to recover.